Where Does Your State Rank in Gun Ownership

Curious about your state's gun ownership ranking? You're in luck—this in-depth analysis breaks down the latest trends in concealed carry permits and overall firearm ownership across the United States. Explore which states are leading the way in issuing concealed carry permits and discover how many Americans are choosing to own firearms.

States with the Highest Percentage of Concealed Carry Permit Holders

As of 2023, there are nearly 22.9 million concealed carry permit holders in the U.S. However, this number doesn't include residents of the 29 states that have adopted some form of permitless carry (also called constitutional carry), where individuals aren't required to obtain a permit to carry a firearm. As a result, the actual number of armed citizens is likely higher than reported.

Here are the top 10 states with the highest percentage of concealed carry permit holders:

1. Alabama – 27.8%

2. Indiana – 23.4%

3. Colorado – 16.55%

4. Pennsylvania – 15.44%

5. Georgia – 14.48%

6. Iowa – 13.82%

7. Tennessee – 13.15%

8. Florida – 13.07% (residential permits only)

9. Connecticut – 12.67%

10. Washington – 11.63%

Concealed Carry Permit Stats by State

In 17 states, more than 10% of the population holds a concealed carry permit, while 14 states (along with the District of Columbia) have fewer than 5%.

• Alabama tops the list with 32.5% of residents holding concealed carry permits, followed by Indiana (23.4%) and Colorado (16.55%).

• New York, California, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Hawaii all have less than 1% of their populations with permits.

• Vermont is the only state that does not issue concealed carry permits, as it has a permitless carry law.

Six states now have more than 1 million permit holders: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Florida was the first to surpass 2 million concealed carry permits.

Gun Ownership vs. Crime Rates

There's a notable variation when it comes to gun ownership and crime rates. For example, Washington D.C. has strict firearm regulations, with only 1.1% of its population holding a concealed carry permit. Yet, it ranks as one of the highest in the nation for crime. This highlights the significant role that large urban areas play in shaping a state's crime statistics.

Take Tennessee, for instance: it ranks seventh in the nation for concealed carry permit holders, but Memphis is among the most dangerous cities in the U.S. Similarly, while only 2% of New Mexicans hold a concealed carry permit, Albuquerque is ranked as the 12th most dangerous city in the country.

Even Vermont, which has no permit or training requirements for firearm carry, ranks far lower in terms of crime, sitting at 44th among the most dangerous states.

These patterns show that urban areas—rather than overall gun ownership rates—are often the driving force behind higher crime rates, despite many gun owners residing in rural areas. In fact, 46% of gun owners live in rural areas, while only 19% live in urban regions.

Why Gun Ownership Matters

At its core, gun ownership in the U.S. is about self-defense. This right is fundamental to American society, and it has become especially important for women. In fact, women represent the fastest-growing demographic of gun owners. As Ronald Reagan once said, a gun is the "great equalizer," and that sentiment resonates strongly with women today.

According to 2022 data, 22% of women reported owning a firearm—a significant 9% increase from 2008. This rise in female gun ownership is likely to continue, as 1 in 3 women have reported experiencing physical or sexual violence.

For the broader population, 67% of gun owners cite protection as their primary reason for owning firearms, while 40% use firearms for hunting.

However, it’s important to remember that the Second Amendment encompasses more than just self-defense. As Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story famously wrote, the right to bear arms serves as a crucial safeguard against "usurpation and arbitrary power" from rulers. While the personal right to defend oneself is paramount, the broader societal implications of this right shouldn't be forgotten—particularly in light of the historical and constitutional foundations upon which it was built.

In the end, gun ownership is not just about personal safety but about preserving the liberties and freedoms that the founding fathers enshrined in the Constitution.